Second time MCAT. Unsure of score. Should I delay or go for it?

[Saf1]

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The first time I took my MCAT was last year, but combined with a 28 🙁 and applying in like August my application was pretty much a waste. No interviews.

Now I'm set to take the MCAT this Friday, but because of my new job and adjusting to that I've had to make my studying really compacted. I made improvements rapidly, but I don't know if it's enough.

When I took my first MCAT I never averaged more than a 27 on my practice tests. I came out feeling unsure, but then I came out of the test with a 28. I felt better, but still sad.

Now I took my tests in this order
Practice Test 8 4/11/2012 - 28
Practice Test 9 4/9/2012 - 26
Practice Test 5 3/29/2012 - 23
Practice Test 3 3/14/2012 - 23

The latest one's breakdown was 9-10-9

My goal is to get a 30, but I don't feel completely comfortable going into the test unless I'm averaging above where I want to be at. At the same time if I delay my test then my score will come back around June and I do not want to apply late.

I'm in a real dilemma :/

My question comes down to should I delay my test until early May. The extra weeks would definitely do wonders for my score, but it'd hurt my application. At the same time if I stick as is I would be taking a risk, and having a second MCAT that's not up to par does not look good. Also, do people tend to score higher when they actually take the exam versus taking the practice exams?

I should point out I don't mind burning the $240 for cancelling the exam past the deadline. My score is what's most important to me.

 

[seafood92]

do not take if you are scoring a 28 on the practice exams. Especially since it shows you have relatively no improvement since your last attempt at the actual MCAT. Delay and wait till you can score 32+. my 0.02$

 

[Praefectus]

If you're worried about applications, send in all of your material early so that it gets verified. Once the MCAT scores come in, schools will start sending out secondaries. From my understanding, the MCAT scores are not necessary for verification and schools will see your application as ready once they receive that last piece of the package.

 

[Dr. Ducky]

do not take if you are scoring a 28 on the practice exams. Especially since it shows you have relatively no improvement since your last attempt at the actual MCAT. Delay and wait till you can score 32+. my 0.02$

This^. You do NOT want to take it again and get the same (or a worse) score. Take the time needed to show significant improvement.

If you're worried about applications, send in all of your material early so that it gets verified. Once the MCAT scores come in, schools will start sending out secondaries. From my understanding, the MCAT scores are not necessary for verification and schools will see your application as ready once they receive that last piece of the package.

This too^.

 

[flodhi1]

Don't take the MCAT if you're scoring 9s on both Sciences it just shows you have a weak grasp on the material or on using your knowledge effectively (things that can be easily resolved compared to the VR section).